Local Metis Heritage Centre
The Sault Ste. Marie Métis Heritage Centre has officially opened its doors. The first of its kind in Ontario, the Centre will serve as a gathering space to preserve the stories, history, and culture of the Metis people.
It is partially funded through the federal Department of Canadian Heritage’s Museum Assistance Program, through which it has received over $190,000 to support the development of the Remembering the Powley Case Exhibit, and roughly $100,000 to support the development of the Heritage Centre Virtual Database. The Museums Assistance Program supports heritage institutions and workers in the preservation and presentation of heritage collections. The program fosters the preservation of Indigenous culture and facilitates access to heritage collections for all Canadians.
Operated by the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council, with the support of the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Heritage Centre launches with two permanent exhibits – “Born Upon the Soil: The Sault Ste. Marie Métis Experience” and “Remembering the Powley Case,” which honours the landmark legal victory that affirmed Métis rights in Canada. It also features meeting spaces, a gift shop, and anearly learning play space.
QUOTES
“Museums are vital in preserving and sharing the stories and cultural heritage of our communities, and I am proud that our government has supported this space in Sault Ste. Marie for Ontario’s Métis community. Preserving history celebrating culture for future generations are vital steps on the path to reconciliation.”
–Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, and Parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors
“The land that the heritage centre was built on was originally a Metis burial ground located behind the fur company post. The Fur company sold the land to the Anglican Church and the church, hall and rectory were built on top of the grave sites. This land was turned back over to The Metis Nation as a form of reconciliation and is now a space for our stories to be told. We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to Terry Sheehan and the federal government for their support of the project and helping the dream of this centre on sacred ground take place for our community and future generations. Our ancestors are smiling now.”
–Stephen Gjos, President, Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council
“This Heritage Centre is a celebration of our Métis history and a place where our community and visitors can come together. It’s an investment that will contribute to the growth of both our culture and the local economy. And it is an investment in reconciliation, which first requires the sharing of truth. The exhibits at the Heritage Centre make that abundantly clear and stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of our people to overcome displacement, denial, and adversity.”
-Mitch Case, Councillor, Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community